Soccer 101: How to Act Like a Fan

Published: June 9, 2014

Brad Davis

The FIFA World Cup 2014 starts June 12 in Brazil, kicking off a month of soccer mania. Don’t know much about the world’s most popular sport, but don’t want to feel left out? No problem. Just follow these tips, which include insider analysis from local experts, and you’ll be screaming “goooooal!” like a soccer hooligan in no time.

The ExpertsManuel Buentello, head coach of the Austin Aztex
Chris Platt, president of the Austin Men’s Soccer Association
Nigel Bowman, member of the AMSA’s executive committee

Tip No. 1

Spout some trivia
Soccer fans love the lore of the World Cup. At some point during a match, casually mention a historic fact, such as the first time the World Cup was held was in Uruguay in 1930, or that it wasn’t held in ’42 and ’46 because of World War II. You could also regale friends with the story of Pickles, the dog that found the Jules Rimet trophy after it was stolen in ’66, the only year England has won the Cup.

Tip No. 2

Start a drinking game
Suggest everyone take a sip every time there’s a free kick. Or, order a round of shots whenever this year’s mascot, an armadillo named Fuleco (pronounced “fool-ay-koh”), is mentioned during a game.

Tip No. 3

Unleash your inner geek
Fanatics and geeks—practically the same thing, right? Bring up that this year the sport’s governing body, FIFA (pronounced “phee-phuh”), or the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, is using the new goal-line technology (GLT) to assist in goal decisions. You’ll sound smart without being too tech-y.

Tip No. 4

Pretend to understand what “offside” means
This confusing rule states that a player on the opponent’s side has to have two defending players (one being the goalie, usually) between him and the goal line. Still scratching your head? Think of it this way: “Back in the early days of soccer, when someone was offside, it was called ‘sneaking.’ A player couldn’t just stand in front of the goal and score a cheap goal, or ‘sneak a goal,’” says expert Chris Platt.

Tip No. 5

Declare Brazil the favorite
When the “who’s going to win” debate comes up, don’t pick the world No. 1 Spanish team. Go with Brazil instead because a) the tournament takes place in Brazil, so they have the home-field advantage; b) Brazil has won the Cup five times, the most of any country; and c) no European country has ever won the Cup when it’s been played in the Americas. Winner? You.

Tip No. 6

Eulogize Team USA
The U.S. was drawn into Group G, aka “the group of death.” Why the ominous term? Because the Americans have to play three-time champion Germany, high-ranking Portugal and Ghana, a country that has eliminated our squad in the last two World Cups. The team doesn't have much of a chance to make it past the group stage. So, sigh when anyone mentions our team. Then lighten the mood by pointing out the irony of our coach being former German player Jurgen Klinsmann, who coached the Germans to third place in the ’06 Cup